District of Colorado - Robert Rodriguez (303)
335-3417; or
USMS Headquarters Public Affairs (202) 307-9065

Sex Offender Sweep Nets 152 Arrests

Denver, CO - On June 30th,U.S.
Marshals and 84 state, local and federal law enforcement agencies wrapped up
a month-long sex offender sweep called Operation Shepherd 2010, conducting
unannounced sex offender compliance checks and searching for fugitive sex
offenders throughout the state of Colorado, resulting in 152 arrests and
2,840 compliance checks.

The U.S. Marshals - Adam Walsh Task Force uses all available law enforcement
resources to locate and arrest fugitive sex offenders who fail to comply
with state and federal registration laws. Operation Shepherd was supported
by law enforcement agencies throughout Colorado, including the Colorado
Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Denver Police Department, Department of
Corrections – Parole, and FBI - Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force.

The multi-agency effort included the assistance of specialized internet
luring investigation teams from the Jefferson County District Attorney’s
Office, Park County Sheriff’s Office, Gilpin County Sheriff’s Office and the
Colorado Springs Police Department - Internet Crimes Against Children Task
Force (ICAC) which arrested 14 suspects on 21 charges of Internet Luring of
a Child, Internet Sexual Exploitation of a Child, Attempted Sexual Assault
of a Child, Promotion of Obscenity to a Child, and Enticement of a Child.
One of the arrested suspects brought a loaded weapon to the meeting with the
undercover detective.

Teams from the ICE Fugitive Operations Unit targeted and arrested 21 sex
offender illegal aliens. Originally convicted of various sex crimes which
included Sexual Assault, Kidnapping, Strongarm Rape and Internet Luring,
these individuals were located and arrested in Colorado after illegally
returning to the U.S. after deportation.

“The U.S. Marshals are committed to the pursuit of justice put forth in the
U.S. constitution,” said U.S. Marshal John Kammerzell. “With a legacy dating
back to 1789, our dedication to the mission and responsibilities of our
agency has remained steadfast. In particular, and since 2006, Deputy United
Marshals have actively worked with local peace officers in the effort to
locate, apprehend, and bring fugitive sex offenders to justice. This case
further demonstrates the sound partnership between the U.S. Marshals
Service, the United States Attorney’s Office and our local and state law
enforcement partners”.

The Adam Walsh Task Force continues sex offender enforcement operations in
the state of Colorado. U.S. Marshals and CBI, in partnership with Colorado
Crime Stoppers, have created the Colorado
“Most
Wanted” Top 100 Sex Offenders website which displays the name, photo and
information of fugitive sex offenders wanted in Colorado. Police need the
public’s help in locating these fugitives. Callers can anonymously report
the information to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS. Information
provided to Crime Stoppers which leads to an arrest may qualify for a cash
reward.

Operation Shepherd 2010 Participating
Agencies

Denver – The following agencies participated in Operation Shepherd 2010: